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New York allows gatherings of up to 10 people, reversing prior ban amid coronavirus

Jon Campbell, New York State Team
Published 7:09 p.m. ET May 22, 2020 | Updated 1:16 p.m. ET May 23, 2020

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo answers whether he is considering slowing down the COVID reopening process in regions of the state where hospitalizations are up; May 20, 2020.
New York State Team

Now, up to 10 people will be allowed to meet for birthday parties, barbecues and any other nonessential gathering for "any lawful purpose or reason," provided people keep six feet of distance and adhere to the Department of Health's cleaning and disinfecting protocols, according to Cuomo's new order.

The order came a day after Cuomo relaxed the ban only for religious ceremonies and Memorial Day ceremonies, which the New York Civil Liberties Union argued violated the First Amendment by excluding protesters and others looking to practice free speech.

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Signs have been placed around Highland Park in Rochester reminding visitors to stay six feet apart. On Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order allowing gatherings of up to 10 people.(Photo: Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

The NYCLU filed a lawsuit Friday in Manhattan federal court on behalf of Linda Bouferguen of Brooklyn, who was arrested twice outside New York City Hall for organizing and participating in a pair of demonstrations against the state's economic shutdown while the gathering ban was in effect.

Jon Campbell is a New York state government reporter for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at JCAMPBELL1@Gannett.com or on Twitter at @JonCampbellGAN.

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